Adjustable shelf

ABSTRACT

An adjustable width shelf is disclosed. The shelf includes a first portion having a first frame member and a plurality of fingers extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. The shelf includes a second portion configured to selectively engage the first portion. The second portion includes a second frame member and a plurality of channels extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. At least a portion of each channel is configured to releasably engage at least a portion of a corresponding finger.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/385,254 filed on Sep. 22, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/351,583 filed on Jun. 4, 2010, the entire contents of each of which being herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to shelves having an adjustable width. Each shelf is usable, for example, in retail environments to store and/or display a plurality of retail items, or to support shelving material.

Typically, in retail environments, for example, floor/shelf space is limited and the retailers attempt to maximize the amount of products they can store/display in their retail space. Additionally, racks are commonly used to display various types of items throughout the store. However, sizes and shapes of the items displayed on the racks vary from item to item. Therefore, the racks are often not utilized most efficiently, as empty spaces result. That is, typical racks may be designed and sized to optimally hold a particular quantity of a particular item (e.g., 48 two-liter soda bottles). But, if that same rack is used to hold another type of item (e.g., bags of potato chips), empty spaces on each shelf of the rack will result.

The shelves of the present disclosure are adjustable in width. The width of the rack is adjustable via the adjustable shelves. Therefore, the expandable rack can be configured to efficiently accommodate a desired numbers of items thereon.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to an adjustable width shelf. The shelf includes a first portion having a first frame member and a plurality of fingers extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. The shelf includes a second portion configured to selectively engage the first portion. The second portion includes a second frame member and a plurality of channels extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. At least a portion of each channel is configured to releasably engage at least a portion of a corresponding finger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the shelf of the present disclosure supported by a rack;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shelf of FIG. 1 with its parts separated;

FIG. 2A is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of the shelf of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the shelf of FIGS. 1 and 2 having two different widths;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of a shelf in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 7A-7F are top views of the shelf of FIGS. 5 and 6 included various widths.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed expandable rack and shelves are described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. In the descriptions that follow, the term “proximal,” as is traditional, will refer to the portion of the expandable rack and/or shelves which is closer to the user (e.g., consumer), while the term “distal” will refer to the portion which is farther from the user.

With reference to the accompanying figures, a first embodiment of a shelf 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. Shelf 100 includes a first portion 110 and a second portion 210. The first portion 210 and second portion 210 are configured for mechanical engagement with each other, as discussed below. The first portion 110 includes a first frame member 120 and a plurality of fingers 130 extending substantially perpendicularly from first frame member 120.

In the illustrated embodiment, fingers 130 are fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to the first frame member 120 adjacent their first ends 132. Second ends 134 of the fingers 130 include a slightly rounded edges, e.g., to facilitate insertion into second potion 210 of shelf 100. While three fingers 130 a, 130 b, and 130 c are illustrated extending from first frame member 120, more or fewer fingers 130 may be included, e.g., based on the length of first frame member 120. Additionally, fingers 130 may be evenly spaced apart (as shown), or the spacing between adjacent fingers 130 may not be equal. The illustrated embodiment also depicts fingers 130 having a generally rectangular cross-section.

The illustrated embodiment of first frame member 120 has an L-shaped cross-section, however it is envisioned that the cross-section of first frame member 120 is another regular or irregular shape. First frame member 120 also includes slots 140 (two slots 140 a and 140 b are illustrated) therethrough. Each slot 140 is configured to mechanically engage a portion of at least one hook “H” (e.g., an S-hook). Each hook “H” is also configured to mechanically engage a slot or a hole of a vertical frame member “V,” such that first portion 110 of shelf 100 can engage (e.g., hang from) the vertical frame member “V” at a desired height.

Second portion 210 of shelf 100 includes a second frame member 220 and a plurality of channels 230 extending substantially perpendicularly from second frame member 220. In the illustrated embodiment, channels 230 have a generally C-shaped cross-section (FIG. 2A) including a first vertical portion 240, two horizontal portions 242, 244, and second vertical portions 246, 248. Channels 230 are fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to the second frame member 220 adjacent their first ends 232. Second ends 234 of the channels 230 include securing members 400, with a space defined between securing members 400 and vertical portion 240. In particular, it is envisioned that securing members 400 are created by bending/manipulating horizontal portions 242, 244, and/or second vertical portions 246, 248. Additionally, a stabilizing member 250 is illustrated attached adjacent second ends 234 of each channel 230, to help maintain the relative positioning of each channel 230, for example. More or fewer stabilizing members 250 may be included on portions of shelf 100.

While three channels 230 a, 230 b, and 230 c are illustrated extending from second frame member 220, more or fewer channels 230 may be included, e.g., based on the length of second frame member 220. Additionally, channels 230 may be evenly spaced apart (as shown), or the spacing between adjacent channels 230 may not be equal. As can be appreciated, the number and spacing of channels 230 is configured to mirror the number and spacing of fingers 130.

The illustrated embodiment of second frame member 220 has an L-shaped cross-section, however it is envisioned that the cross-section of second frame member 220 is another regular or irregular shape. Second frame member 220 also includes slots 250 (two slots 250 a and 250 b are illustrated) therethrough. Each slot 250 is configured to mechanically engage a portion of at least one hook “H” (e.g., an S-hook). As discussed above with reference to the first frame member 120, each hook “H” is also configured to mechanically engage a slot or a hole of vertical frame member “V,” such that second portion 210 of shelf 100 can engage (e.g., hang from) the vertical frame member “V” at a desired height.

In use, to assemble the first portion 110 and the second portion 210 to create a desired width “w” shelf 100, a user positions/aligns the second ends 134 of the fingers 130 of the first portion 110 adjacent the second ends 234 of the channels 230 of the second portion 210 (e.g., FIG. 2). The user then inserts the second ends 134 of the fingers 130 into the respective spaces between the securing member 400 and the vertical portion 240 of the channel 230. The horizontal component of the spaces between the securing member 400 and the vertical portion 240 are sized to be approximately equal to an outside thickness (in the horizontal direction) of each finger 130, thus ensuring a frictional fit therebetween. The frictional engagement enables a user to adjust the width “w” of the shelf 100 an infinite number of sizes (i.e., with no fixed incremental sizes) by moving the first portion 110 and the second portion 210 towards or away from each other. FIG. 3 illustrates a relatively wide shelf 100 (having a width indicated by W₂), and FIG. 4 illustrates a relative narrow shelf 100 (having a width indicated by W₁). Additionally, the upper and lower horizontal portions 242, 244 of each channel 230 help limit the relative upward and/or downward movement of an engaged finger 130.

It is also envisioned that at least a top surface of portions of shelf 100 (e.g., horizontal portions 242 of channels 230) may include supporting structure (not shown) thereon to support products, for example. Once assembled and installed, the shelf 100 can support products directly thereon, or the shelf 100 can support other shelving material, and/or a product display apparatus (not shown), such as a gravity-feed product display. Additionally, since each corner of the shelf 100 is configured to be hooked onto a vertical frame member “V,” the shelf 100 can be angled with its user-facing front portion lower than its rear portion, e.g., to assist with gravity feeding and/or displaying products.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7F, a second embodiment of a shelf 1100 is shown. Shelf 1100 includes a first section 1200 (illustrated on the left of FIG. 5) and a second section 1300 (illustrated on the right of FIG. 5). The first section 1200 is shown having two elongated elements 1210 (more or fewer elongated elements 1210 are envisioned). The elongated elements 1210 are elongated wire-like structures that each include a dip 1212 and a rise 1214, and also includes a support section 1220. The first section 1200 also includes a plurality of cross beams (e.g., 1230 and 1240) that extend from (or adjacent) the front 1110 of the shelf 1100 (i.e., the portion of the shelf 1100 closest to the customer when in use) to (or adjacent) the rear 1120 of the shelf 1100 (i.e., the portion of the shelf 1100 farthest from the customer when in use). The first section 1200 also includes a lateral-most cross beam 1250 (i.e., the left-most cross beam in the illustrated embodiments).

The second section 1300 includes a plurality of elongated elements 1310 (only two of which are labeled for clarity; more or fewer than the illustrated number of elongated elements 1310 are envisioned). The second section 1300 also includes a plurality of spaced apart cross beams 1330 a-1330 f. While six cross beams 1330 are illustrated, it is envisioned that the second section 300 may include more or fewer cross beams 1330. It is envisioned that cross beams 1330 a-1330 f are equally spaced apart (e.g., about 1 inch apart).

Each of the first section 1200 and the second section 1300 of the shelf 1100 also include a pair of hooks 1260 a and 1260 b, 1360 a and I 360 b, respectively. The hooks are configured to mechanically engage slots of the vertical risers (not shown) that support the shelf 1100. Hooks 1260 a and 1260 b are slidably disposed on lateral-most cross beam 1250. It is envisioned that hook 1260 b is slidable within the constraints of adjacent elements 1222 and 1224. Hooks 1360 a and 1360 b are slidably disposed on a lateral-most cross beam 1340 of second section 1300.

In use, to assemble the first section 1200 and the second section 1300 to create a desired width “w” shelf 1100, a user positions support sections 1220 of first section 1200 onto a desired cross beam 1330 a-1330 f, for example. During this positioning, the elongated elements 1210 are positioned below at least one cross beam 1330 a-1330 f (and/or the non-labeled cross beam to the left of cross beam 1330 a). After the support sections 1220 engage the selected cross beam(s) 1330 a-1330 f, the user pivots the first section 1200 upwards until the cross beams 1230, 1240 of the first section 1200 contact the elongated elements 1310 of the second section 1300. The shelf 1100 is then ready for installation.

It is envisioned that the width “w” of shelf 1100 can be between about 24 inches, which corresponds to supports sections 1220 engaging cross beam 1330 f (FIG. 7F), and about 29 inches, which corresponds to supports sections 1220 engaging cross beam 1330 a (FIG. 7A). Additionally, as discussed above, it is envisioned that each cross beam 1330 a-1330 f is spaced about 1 inch apart, such that the width “w” of the shelf 1100 is adjustable in approximately 1 inch increments between approximately 24 inches and approximately 29 inches for installation in a variety of vaults of differing widths.

Once assembled and installed, the shelf 1100 can support products directly thereon, or the shelf 1100 can support a product display apparatus (not shown), such as a gravity-feed product display, for example.

While embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the figures, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. For example, the fingers and/or channels may or may not be the same height. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. 

1. An adjustable width shelf, comprising: a first portion including a first frame member and a plurality of fingers extending substantially perpendicularly from the first frame member; a second portion configured to selectively engage the first portion and including a second frame member and a plurality of channels extending substantially perpendicularly from the second frame member, the at least a portion of each channel being configured to releasably engage at least a portion of a corresponding finger.
 2. The adjustable width shelf of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fingers includes rounded edges at a lateral end thereof.
 3. The adjustable width shelf of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fingers has a generally rectangular cross-section.
 4. The adjustable width shelf of claim 1, wherein the first frame member has an L-shaped cross-section.
 5. The adjustable width shelf of claim 1, wherein the second frame member has an L-shaped cross-section.
 6. The adjustable width shelf of claim 1, wherein the channels have a generally C-shaped cross-section.
 7. The adjustable width shelf of claim 1, wherein a first lateral end of each channel is affixed to the second frame member and wherein a second lateral end of at least one channel includes a securing member adjacent thereto.
 8. The adjustable width shelf of claim 7, wherein the securing member formed by manipulating a portion of its associated channel.
 9. The adjustable width shelf of claim 1, wherein the second portion includes a stabilizing member disposed adjacent a second lateral end of the channel, and wherein the stabilizing member is substantially parallel to the second frame member. 